BBC Computer Literacy Project

A visit to the Chicago Robotics Exhibition shows how the computer has revolutionised these mechanical servants and even made domestic versions possible. IAN MCNAUGHT-DAVIS begins to look at how computers can sense what's going on round them and then control mechanical devices.

How can the computer detect such widely different things as the whereabouts of a London Transport bus, fog, the length of an electronic flash or the speed of a motor? Ian McNaught-Davis and John Coll look at a wide range of sensors which are available on the market.

Ian McNaught-Davis continues his exploration of the principles behind the use of the computer in robotics by finding out how to make things move; even using a home micro.

Ian McNaught-Davis looks at some of the thinking behind more complex computer-controlled devices.

We see, hear and interpret the real world with ease. For the computer it's not so easy, but some robotic systems can identify objects or voices and act accordingly, and it's possible to mimic these on the home microcomputer.